JP 3-28, page 38

Chapter II II-4 JP 3-28 (2) The tribal leader is responsible for the public safety and welfare of the people of that tribe. As authorized by tribal government, the tribal leader: (a) Coordinates tribal resources needed to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from incidents of all types. This also includes preparedness and mitigation activities. (b) May have powers to amend or suspend certain tribal laws or ordinances associated with response. (c) Communicates with the tribal community and helps people, businesses, and organizations cope with the consequences of any type of incident. (d) Negotiates mutual-aid and assistance agreements with other tribes or jurisdictions. (e) Requests federal assistance under the Stafford Act when it becomes clear that the tribe’s capabilities are insufficient. See JP 3-08, Interorganizational Cooperation, for additional information on insular governments related to the US. d. Insular Area Governments. Insular areas covered under DSCA include the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the US Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. USG support under DSCA is coordinated through the existing insular government structure, regardless of the type and robustness of the government. See Title 48, USC. 2. Federal Role a. The USG maintains a wide range of capabilities and resources that may be required to deal with domestic incidents to save lives and protect property and the environment while ensuring the protection of privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. All USG departments and agencies must cooperate with one another and with state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, community members, and the private sector to the maximum extent possible. b. The USG becomes involved with a response when federal interests are involved; if state, local, tribal, or territorial resources are overwhelmed; and federal assistance is requested or as authorized or required by statute, regulation, or policy. Accordingly, in some instances, the USG may play a supporting role to state and local civil authorities by providing federal assistance to the affected parties. For example, the USG provides assistance to state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities when the President declares a major disaster or emergency under the Stafford Act. In other instances, the USG may play a leading role in the response where the USG has primary jurisdiction or when incidents occur on federal property (e.g., national parks, military bases).